Ribbon feed mechanism for printing telegraph machines



April 29, 1941.. G. A. GRAHAM mason FEED unamxs g wrqn x r l t mrmc" TELEGRAPH fmcnmzs iled M127, 1953 i Y Sheets-Sheet 1 /N MEN TOPS kksfii V w I GEORGE A. 6/?4f/4/V Rye/v51? Patented Apr. 29, 1941 UNITED STATES "PATENT OFFICE RIBBON FEED MECHANISM FOR PRmTING TELEGRAPH MACHINES George A. Graham and Harry W. Parmer, Fort Monmouth, Oceanpol't, N. 1.; Graham administratrix of said George Graham, deceased Nan Louise A.

Application January 27, 1938, Serial No. 187,214 1 Claims. (01. 197-165) (Granted under the act of March 3, 1883, as

amended April30, 1928; 370 0. G. 757) The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes, without the payment to usof any royalty thereon. v

This invention relates to printing telegraph machines and more particularly to the ribbon feed mechanism of such machines.

The invention supplements our previous applications, Serial No. 725,968 filed May 16, 1934, which matured as-Patent No. 2,128,242, August 30, 1938, and Serial No. 102,178 filed September 23, 1936, which disclose an exactly synchronized printing telegraph system and new features in printing telegraph mechanism. The present invention proposes certain new ribbon feed mechanisms operatively coordinated with the devices previously disclosed.

One of the main objects of this invention is to provide a ribbon feed reversing mechanism in which a minimum of work is imposed upon the ribbon itself in the reversing process, and to perform the reversing operation by shifting the driving pawl from engagement with the driving ratchet of the full ribbon reel or spool to engagement with the driving ratchet of the empty ribtransmission and selection processes, which are held in exact unison by our reed driven escapement mechanism, a functional gang cam group is permitted to perform one revolution. Acam in this group delivers'the power for the ribbo'n'feed stroke.

Other important objects will become apparentto those skilled in the art.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of our printing telegraph machine and incidental circuits which, while previously disclosed in our application, Se rial No. 102,178, filed September 23, 1936, is reproduced here by way of illustration of operative features comprising the present invention and other function performing instrumentaii-ties of the system;

Fig. 2 is a bottom sectional view of the receiver or shuttle selector mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the track switch of the receiver or shuttle selector mechanism; I

Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the mechanism;

ribbon feed Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the :same; .1

Fig. 5a is a section on line :r.r of Fig. 5; and

Fig.6isaplanview.

InFig. 1, we represent schematically our printing telegraph machine'terminated at the ground connection 2 and the line terminal-11. Themotor 223 drives shaft I35 continuously throug-hvbevel gears 224 and I 34. The. gang cam group I30 is at rest because the driven positive ;clutch member BI is held out of engagement with-thedriving clutch member I321 by the clutch armi lfliagainst the tension of springv [33, Bevel gear 225, like- .wise in continuous rotation, 1 drives; ggea rtl 66 through gears Band 221. The 'verticalshaft 2 is pinned to gear 166 andis alsoin continuousrotation. The vertical shaft 2 transmits drive-totwo friction clutches; one for the-typewheel I52 at 206 and.20|; and the other fortherot or ofthe shuttle selector, I90, and through gear,,1228 ,thc reed escapement and distribution shaft [65 vThe type wheel I52 I is rotated ,from' selected position to selected "position? "the 'fstoppa'gelo'f. the type wheel at a selected positiongbeing caused. by the interference; of the pertinent istunt "bar 214, secteq bythe alignment of-slots in thet'ranslator icqae a s sizla n t member 2 I 2; 'rotati 'a tm- 1| so and pr the; reed e; 4 human; shaft' 1 6.5 ioepends upon Lthe'iposition of Y th reed J12 i'an'd; its f escapement yoke .115 with Peter: h ftype wh el t off'the 1 shuttle -selecap'e'nient and distrijres'pec-t the, escapement,flpinsfllla to "(I TM inj elusive, mounted on 1 the escapement' huh I J14 which is pinned toshaft'flj65." j

"ftions l12a and 172b,inf sixjlhalfleyde The reed I 12 is clamped at I [9 '1and,fup0n".being released, vibratesbetween",the ottedfjposiv, k f lvibration fromfstartto stop. The normalor s art-stop position of the reedjis at"! 12a underthe latclil H of the start-stop magnet62.

The distributor 51 performs an automatic stop function in a local circuit on the reed start-stop magnet 62, switching the magnet from the control of the line relay 48 direct to battery at seg- ,ment 60a and switching back to line relay 48 control at segment 50 during one revolution of distributor arm 58. The transmitting distributor 49, in the progression by reed escapement of the distributor arm 50 from segment 58 to segments 5|, 52, 53, 54, 55 and return to 56, performs the function of step by step connection of the keyboard transmitting contacts I1, I8, I9, and 2| to the line I through line relay 48.

The cams 243 and 244 on the extremity of shaft I65 in conjunction with the cam levers or arms 245 and 250, the link 253, the release-restore bar 256, and the keyboard universal bar 24 operating latch 260, perform the functions of release and restore of the transmitting contact levers I2, I3, I4, I5 and IS, the contact lever 22 being the startstop feature which is normally held closed with respect to contact 22. The keys of the keyboard, of which one is shown as 32, operate to rock the code bars 25,26, 21, 28 and 29 into marking or spacing positions in accordance with the permutations of the five equal unit code. The code bars in turn set the contact pawls 281, 258, 259, 210' and 21 I, in marking or spacing positions with respect to contact levers I2, I3, I4, I 5 and I8. Upon the release of bar 256 the contact levers under spring tension will either make contact, or not make contact, with the transmitting contacts I1, I8, I9, 20 and 2|, dependent upon whether or not a contact pawl is interposed in spacing position as shown in the figure.

The shuttle selector rotor I90 is in step-by-step relationship with the transmitting distributor arm 50 under the joint escapement action of reed I12 driving escapement yoke I15 to permit the progression of escapement pins I14a to I14f, inclusive. In one revolution of the rotor I90 the shuttle selectors I90a to I90e are assigned to either the marking track I89a or the spacing track I89b dependent upon whether the armature 85 is in marking or spacing position at th instant each particular shuttle selector passes the armature at the track switch.

The code bar translator is shown at I23, the permutation bars or'slotted code bars being I and the transverse members or stunt bars at 2 I4. The particular stunt bar at 2I4 is shown in selected position effecting the stoppage of type wheel I52 at the stop member H2.

The selector transfer assembly which transfers the established selection from the shuttle selector to operate upon the code bar translator at the proper time is the transfer frame I92 carrying the five transfer cams I92a to I92e. Upon downward movement of the transfer assembly, the transfer cams H211 to I92e, are set in marking or spacing positions as determined by the shuttle selectors I90a to I90e, and the transfer cams operate upon the push-pull bars 2I8a to 2| 8e, to rotate the individual code bars toward marking or spacing positions. Upon the return to normal or upward movement of the transfer assembly the operation is completed; that is, the code bar rotation into marking or spacing positions is completed. The V.-members shown on the bottom of the translator housing 2I3 directly above the transfer cams serve to cam the push-pull bars into the completed movement. The selector transfer assembly in the down and up movement described performs another function; that is, of

clearing or resetting the translator stuntbars' 2 I4 to a normal position in the downward movement, and in releasing all stunt bars for the selection of one stunt bar in the upward movement, by means of the reset disk formed at the top of the transfer frame I92 acting upon the stunt bar extensions about pivot 2I8. The transfer shift yoke arm is I93 with pivot at I9I.

Having described our function selecting mechanism and function performing devices, and the interaction of such previously described mechanism, we are not concerned in the present invention with the structure and operation of the ribbon feed mechanism hereinafter described in detail:

Reference is now made to Fig. 4 in which MI is the ribbon, 302 and 303 are the ribbon reels or spools, 306 and 301 are guides about the reels, and 308 is the mounting plate. Each ribbon reel is provided with an independent transmission system. The transmission for reel 302 comprises ratchet wheel 331, shaft 328, bevel gear 325 in engagement with bevel gear 328, gear 321, and gear 359 (Fig. 6,), which is attached to the drive shaft of reel 302. Proper bearings are provided by 320' and 323, The transmission for reel 303 comprises ratchet wheel 338, shaft 3l3, bevel gear 3 I4 in engagement with bevel gear 3I5, gear 3", and gear 360 (Fig. 6) which is attached to the drive shaft of reel 303. Bearings are provided by 3I8 and 3I8.

Power for the driving or step forward system is derived from cam shaft I35, As previously mentioned this shaft is connected to the driving motor of the printing telegraph machine by means of a positive clutch in such a manner as to effect one complete revolution of the cam shaft I35 for each complete revolution of the reed escaped distributor shaft. In other words, every complete operation of code group transmission, reception and selection is followed by one .complete revolution of cam shaft I35 under motor drive. This cam shaft I35 is equipped with a number of functional cams but we are concerned in this description with the cam 23I. This cam is shaped to transmit simple harmonic motion to the cam roller 343 and to the cam rocker arm 340 which is pivoted at 35I. The cam rocker arm 340 is mortised to operate upon the intermediate arm 34I which is pivoted at 350. (Fig 5),

The spring 342 serves to maintain the reciprocating relationship between the intermediate arm 34I, rocker arm 340, and cam 23I, by holding roller 343 in engagement with the cam under spring tension.

Referring to Fig. 5, the intermediate arm 34I is connected to the vertical drive bar 334, which at its upper extremity is terminated in a slide guide 3I9. The drive bar 334 is equipped with a drive pawl 335, which is pivoted at swivel 332, seated in catch 348, and a slide fit in the shift guide 339. The drive pawl 335 is provided with a stepping finger shown in Fig. 5 as in engagement with ratchet wheel 338. The spring 345, connected between an extension of the drive pawl 335 and pin 349, is so positioned and tensioned as to hold the drive pawl in the catch seat 348 to which the drive pawl was shifted last. This catch seat 388 is in the form of a double V-block or W. The shift guide 339 is pivoted at 35l and carries a holding dog 341 and associated spring 348. Returning to Fig. 4, the swivel 332 extends shift arms .33I and 333, by means of which the drive pawl 335 and shift guide 339 are shifted from ratchet wheel 331 to ratchet wheel 338, as will be shown hereinafter.

The twin shift levers 329 and 335 are pivoted in members 362 and 363 and are connected together by yoke 330. This combination is maintained inthe last set position by the seating action of the depressions in spring 324 on the pin provided on shift lever 323. The actual setting of these shift levers 329 and 336 is the only function and work required of the ribbon in the shifting process. The ribbon 30| is passed through the split stud 304 at reel 302 and through the split stud 305 at reel 303. These studs are connected through slots 355 and 356 in mounting plate 308 (see Fig. 6) to levers 32l and 3|2 respectively. The levers are pivoted at 351 and 358 and supported in guides 353 and .354. Lever 32! presents pin 322 to shift lever 329, and lever 3l2 including yoke 309 in guide 3 presents pin 3l0 to shift lever 336.

The constructional details having been described sufiiciently, let us consider the operational features. It will be apparent upon an examination of Fig. 4 that rotation of cam 23! provides the drive for either the transmission connected to ratchet wheel 331, or the transmission connected to ratchet wheel 338, dependent upon which ratchet wheel the drive pawl 335 is engaging. Each vertical thrust of the drive pawl 335 moves the pertinent ratchet wheel one tooth where it is held by the holding dog 341. The shift operation is caused by the eyelet or rivet 364 on the ribbon, attached as standard compawl and lever system responsive to ribbon movement to set said shift mechanism in position to reverse the feeding action of the said components; and means acting under power of said motor and not as a function of ribbon movement to cause said pawlto shift from. one of said transmission components to the other; and means including a spring element operative with said pawl and a latch seat for holding the pawl in its shifted position.

3. In a ribbon feed mechanism for printing telegraph machines, which employs a printing ribbon and carrying reels therefor; a dual transmission system, comprising components operable inde-' pendently with said reels; a pawl swiveled to impart step-wise drive to said components alternately; means comprising a system of cams and levers for cyclic operation of said pawl; a motor for opmercial practice near the end of the ribbon at each reel, attempting to pass through either of the split studs 304 or 305. As shown in Fig. 4,

the shift of drive from reel 302 to reel 303 has just occurred.

The ribbon had been winding on reel 302, being drawn from reel 303. Rivet 364 moved split stud 305 and lever 3l2 to the left. Pin 3|0 moved shift lever.336 to the position shown. At that instant the drive pawl 335 was in engagement with ratchet wheel 331. Upon the next vertical thrust of the drive pawl 335, shift arm 333 struck shift lever 336, which rotated the drive pawl on swivel 332 from ratchet wheel 331 to ratchet wheel 338, the shift guide 339 and the holding dog 341 moving likewise.

Conversely, when reel 303 is filled and reel 302 presents its ribbon rivet to the split stud 304, shift lever 328 will be moved to the right by pin 322 causing the drive pawl to shift back to engagement with ratch wheel 331.

Changes, modifications and equivalent arrangements are contemplated within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims: We claim:

1. In a printing telegraph machine, a ribbon,

feed mechanism comprising a pair of carrying reels; ratchet wheels operative with said reels independently and a swiveled driving pawl alternately operative with said wheels; and means for shifting the driving pawl from engagement with the ratchet connected to the full ribbon reel into engagement with the ratchet connected to the empty ribbon reel; and means including a spring and latch element for carrying through and holding said pawl in each shifted position.

2. In a printing telegraph machine, a type printing assembly which employs a movable ribbon; a ribbon feed mechanism including a pair of ribbon reels and transmission components independently operable with said reels; means including a motor to impart uniform feeding movement to said mechanism; a shift mechanism operative with said components; means including a swiveled erating the cams; a shift mechanism and elements cooperating therewith to position said mechanism for shifting action, said elements beingcontrolled by the feeding movement of said ribbon; and means acting under the drive of said motor and not as a function of the ribbon movement to complete the shifting operation by causing-said swiveled pawl to shift from one of said transmission components to the other; said means including a spring element operative with said pawl and a latch seat member for holding the pawl in its shifted position.

4. In a ribbon-feed mechanism for type-printing machines, a pair of reels for carrying the ribbon; drive shafts for said reels; a pair of ratchet wheels disposed in spaced parallel relation and in close proximity to one another; means including a system of gearing operatively connecting shafts and wheels; means for imparting progressive motion selectively to either of said ratchet wheels, said means including a single pawl, and a cam and lever system, said pawl being swiveled and selectively operative between said wheels; and a spring and latch operative with said pawl to retain the pawl in actuated position.

5. In a ribbon-feed mechanism for type-printing machines, a driving system comprising sep- 6. In a ribbon-feed mechanism for type-Drink ing machines which employs a pair of reels for carrying the ribbon; a drive system including separate ratchet wheels, a guided thrust member, and a cam and lever system for operating said member; a swivelled pawl adapted to engage either of said ratchet wheels independently, said pawl being provided with oppositely disposed arms; shift levers operable with said arms and means for selectively presenting one of said levers to one of said arms as determined-by ribbon movement whereby said pawl is caused to impart driving movement selectively to one of said ratchet wheels. I

7. In a ribbon-feed mechanism for type-printing machines, which employs a pair of reels for carrying the ribbon; a dual transmission system including separate ratchet wheels, juxtaposed in parallelism, a guided thrust member, and a cam and lever system for operating said member; a pawl pivoted to engage either of said ratchet wheels independently, said pawl being provided with oppositely disposed arms for communicating means including a spring and a double V-member pivotal movement to the pawl; shift levers opfor carrying through and holding the pawl in erable with said arms, and means for selectively the last selected position until a reverse selection presenting one of said levers to one of said arms is required by ribbon movement.

as determined by ribbon movement and whereby 5 said pawl 15 caused to impart driving movement GEORGE A. GRAHAM. selectively to one of. said ratchet wheels; and HARRY W. PARMER. 

